Supreme Imperial Order of the Chrysanthemum

大勲位菊花章

The Daikun'i Kikkashô, Supreme Imperial Order of the Chrysanthemum, is the highest honor that can be bestowed by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan for meritorious service to the Japanese nation. It is awarded on a red and black Grand Cordon but worn on a heavy gold chain 290 mm in diameter and 22 mm thick: each link of the chain is a medallion, and the medallions spell out the characters of Emperor Meiji's name. The medal itself is in the form of a Rising Sun device surrounded by white rays, with a golden chrysanthemum device at each corner. Together, the medal and chain contain 300 grams of 22-carat gold.

The Order of the Chrysanthemum is truly an imposing sight: Emperor Akihito wears it around his neck when in full regalia.